Pastor’s Letter & June 13 Bulletin

Pastor’s Letter & June 13 Bulletin

11 Jun 2021 | Posted by: chadmin

The June 13 bulletin is now available online.

Dear friend,

As you have noticed, things have changed in church.  The pew markings were removed and the holy water was put back in the church. While we would not describe the current situation in the world as back to normal, things have definitely loosened up. With the Phase 5 announcement by the Governor, most of the public areas are returning to normal as well. One thing we have all learned in the last year or so is that none of us really knows what will happen next. With the vast amount of people in our community now vaccinated, those who are not able to receive the vaccine because of medical reasons or personally choose not to receive the vaccine, are all at a smaller risk. This is certainly good news for our community and hopefully world-wide soon. I do think we are collectively ready to return to many of the life events that we love. While the Bishop has not reinstated the Sunday Obligation, I would anticipate it to soon come. With our pews open, we can now accommodate our community at the weekend Masses. It was beautiful to see so many people at Mass last weekend. The families are clearly returning.  Thank you again for all the local support to the church and school communities this year. In so many ways, the church and school were able to face the challenges to the pandemic and continue to meet the needs of those we serve and love. It was a team effort. As any more information becomes available we will pass it on to you.

As we return to Ordinary Time in the Church, we quickly hear one of Jesus’ parables this weekend. Jesus spoke in parables, or short stories, to communicate truths, get people to think but not directly reveal all truths about Himself at once. Like the Old Testament, God in the New Testament slowly reveals Himself. Mark’s Gospel this weekend says, “Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.” The forming of His disciples was something that Jesus clearly took seriously. He spent a great deal of time with them. He encouraged them to watch and listen. He taught them through what he said publicly and then furthered that teaching to them privately. “Knowledge of the mysteries” was given by Jesus to the disciples to help them understand and commit to following Him. This knowledge was strengthened by the Holy Spirit and their own success in ministry. It did take time, however. Just like the Bible, all of our lives require time to learn and discover the mysteries of God. It is the practice of the faith, attendance at Mass, personal prayer, and living the virtues that allow each of us to grow in our knowledge of the Kingdom of Heaven. While we celebrate our current understanding, Christ invites us to seek more. As we return to Ordinary Time in the Church Calendar Year, may it be a time of seeking Jesus in His parable stories and the stories of life we each encounter each day.

I will be gone for a week visiting with friends and family. It’s been awhile since I’ve taken a few days away from the parish. Looking forward to a little break. See you next weekend.

God bless,

Father David